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Sure, you can buy candy for friends and family this holiday season, but why not add a special homemade touch? We’ve got 3 winning caramel recipes and a video from Alton Brown to help walk you through the simple steps.

Homemade Caramels
Made with sugar, butter, corn syrup and cream, caramels aren’t health food, but it’s the holidays! And since a 1-ounce piece will only set you back about 110 calories, there’s no need to feel guilty.

Caramels aren’t difficult to make, they just require a little care and attention. The trickiest part? Getting the sugar to just the right color — watch carefully! Melt sugar with a little corn syrup until it’s golden brown, like the one pictured below. Swirl, don’t stir the sugar as it cooks.